Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Michigan

Overview — roofing licensing in Michigan

Michigan requires a state-level roofing contractor license, issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. The license verifies competence and consumer protection, and is required to legally bid and perform roofing work in the state. Working without one when required is typically a misdemeanor and exposes the contractor to civil penalties — and the contract becomes unenforceable in court.

License classes available

Michigan offers 2 roofing license classes — pick based on the largest project you plan to bid:

• Maintenance and Alteration Contractor — Residential. Required for any residential alteration including roofing on 1–4 unit dwellings. Covers most residential roofing work.
• Residential Builder. Required for new construction. Allows roofing as part of new build. Most roofing-only contractors take Maintenance & Alteration.

Experience required

60 hours of pre-license education from a Michigan-approved provider. Experience preferred but not strictly required for Maintenance & Alteration.

Exam — what you're tested on

Michigan requires a written examination administered by PSI Services on behalf of LARA. Topics covered:

• Michigan Residential Code
• Business management for contractors
• Construction law and consumer protection

Passing score: 70%.

Fees

• Application fee: $195
• Initial license fee: $0
• Renewal fee: $195 ( triennial)

Bond & insurance

Bond: Not required at the state level.

General liability insurance: Minimum $500,000.

Workers' compensation: Required for any employer with 1+ employee in MI. Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency (WDCA) enforcement.

Commercial auto: Commercial auto required for company vehicles.

Continuing education

Michigan requires 21 hours of continuing education every 3 years. CE must come from approved providers — verify a course is approved before paying. Required topics typically include:

• 3 hours code updates (mandatory)
• 3 hours laws and rules (mandatory)
• 3 hours business practices (mandatory)
• 12 hours elective construction-related topics

Reciprocity with other states

Michigan does not have formal roofing reciprocity with other states. Out-of-state contractors must complete the Michigan process from scratch.

Local permits and requirements

Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor each require local building permits per roof job. Detroit specifically requires city contractor registration on top of the state license.

Common gotchas

Things that catch most applicants on their first license cycle in Michigan:

• 60-hour pre-license education is a hard requirement and must be completed before sitting for the exam — many pros skip and have to backfill.
• Triennial renewal cycle (every 3 years) means CE accumulates — 21 hours total. Easy to fall behind.
• Detroit has its own contractor registration requirement on top of state Maintenance & Alteration — many out-of-area roofers miss this.
• Sales tax on labor: Michigan tax rules treat residential repairs and remodels differently — read RAB 1989-44 to avoid misclassification.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need both a Maintenance & Alteration license and a Residential Builder license to roof in Michigan?

No — Maintenance & Alteration is sufficient for residential alteration including roofing. Residential Builder is for new construction. Most roofing-only contractors only take Maintenance & Alteration.

What's the 60-hour pre-licensing education requirement?

Michigan requires 60 classroom hours from a LARA-approved provider before you can sit the licensing exam. Topics: 6 hours business management, 6 hours estimating/job costing, 6 hours contracts/liability, 6 hours marketing, 36 hours elective construction. Costs $400–$1,000 from approved schools.

How long does Michigan licensing take?

Pre-licensing course: 4–8 weeks (self-paced). Application processing: 30–60 days. Exam scheduling: 2–6 weeks. Total: 4–6 months from start.

Does Michigan have reciprocity with Ohio for roofing?

No — Michigan has no formal reciprocity for roofing/Maintenance & Alteration with any state. Out-of-state contractors must apply fresh and complete the 60-hour course.

What's CE compliance look like for Michigan roofing?

21 hours every 3 years (triennial cycle). 9 hours mandatory (3 each: code, law, business). 12 hours elective. Track via LARA's online CE portal — providers report hours directly.